Rooney would walk into Brazil team, says England midfielder Lampard

10 Nov 2009 16:59:51

England midfielder Frank Lampard believes Wayne Rooney heads a group of players in Fabio Capello's squad who Brazil would want in their team.
Lampard, 31, insists the likes of Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand, Chelsea team-mate John Terry and Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard would also comfortably fit into Dunga's side, who England face in a friendly this weekend in Qatar.
'I'm certain they'd look at some because we've got top, top players, who are some of the best in the world,' said Lampard in ZOO Magazine.
Best of the best: Lampard reckons Rooney (right) leads the way for England
'You're talking about Wayne Rooney, Steven Gerrard, John Terry and Rio Ferdinand. Those guys could be compared to any player in the world and I'm absolutely sure Brazil would want them in their team.'
When pushed on England's best player, Lampard added: 'I would say Wayne Rooney, because he's the one who can make special things happen. He can create and score goals out of nothing.
'Then it would be John Terry, who is the best defender I have ever played with, and Steven Gerrard. Stevie has got everything, he's a very complete midfield player. He's the stand-out one in England.'
Lampard views the Brazil game as a barometer of England's progress under Capello.
'It'll be interesting to play against a team who are going to the World Cup as one of the favourites,' he said.
Blues brothers: Lampard loves playing with Terry (left) for club and country
'When we played against Spain in a friendly last year, it was tough and that's good for us.
'We lost that match and it dampened expectations a bit, but there's nothing wrong with that!
'It won't be easy. I've played against South American teams before and they're difficult matches. They have a high skill level which will be difficult to play against, especially in Qatar's hot conditions, which they're used to and we're not.'
Lampard is relishing his chance to shine with England in South Africa next year.
'There's a lot of other good teams out there, so it's important we get ourselves right this time,' he said. 'We need a little bit of luck along the way, but it's certainly possible.
'The last year has been very settled and we're becoming more comfortable with each other. We should believe in ourselves because personnel-wise our players have got the talent to match anyone - including Brazil.'
Big-spending Spurs splash out more than Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool and ChelseaWill THAT Wales yellow card haunt Becks in his England record bid?Chelsea 1 Man United 0: Terry lands title blow as champions are flooredTHE LIST: Football's greatest penalty kings - Nos 40-31CHELSEA FC